Standbeeld van de hertog van Alva, 1571 17th century

This 17th-century anonymous engraving titled "Standbeeld van de hertog van Alva, 1571" depicts a statue of the Duke of Alva, a Spanish military leader who was notorious for his brutal suppression of the Dutch Revolt in the late 16th century. The statue is depicted standing on a base with three figures lying at his feet. The artwork is likely a representation of the Duke of Alva's power and authority, and it may have been intended to inspire fear and respect for the Spanish regime. The print's small size and its inclusion in the Rijksmuseum suggest that it may have been a popular and widely circulated image in its time.